SHAWANAGA FIRST NATION – A weekend of marches, road blocks and demonstrations made it clear that Parry Sound is idle no more.
Across the region, demonstrations were organized that saw protesters playing drums, marching along streets and speaking in support of First Nation rights. The protests kicked off on Friday afternoon with a road block on Highway 69, outside the Shawanaga Gas & Variety.
Traffic was halted in both directions for close to 30 minutes as roughly 100 protesters held a round dance on the highway.
Wayne Pamajewon, Chief of Shawanaga First Nation, said it’s time to let the government know that the land is not for sale.
“We are the first peoples of this land, and the creator has asked us time and time again, ‘look after me.’ We have done that, and we will continue to do that,” said Pamajewon.
The Idle No More movement has been steadily growing in momentum since early December. Organizers have called it a “revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water.”
Specifically, the movement has come out in opposition to Bill C-45. Better known as the second omnibus bill, C-45 contains a series of changes to both the Indian Act and the Navigation Protection Act. Critics say the changes to the Navigation Protection Act will make it easier for corporations to abuse many of Canada’s waterways.
The movement has also been seen as a jumping off point to open up dialogue about wider First Nation’s issues.
“For many years, our people have lived here in harmony with the land, the water, the animals, the birds and all living creatures, and they have provided for us. Now we find that we have to go to a grocery store, and I know for a fact the stuff we buy in the grocery store hasn’t been the greatest we can see by some of the sicknesses we have,” said Pamajewon.
“I think these things have evolved. They have come, and I think it’s time for us to say no more.”
The figurehead for Idle No More has been Attawapiskat chief Theresa Spence. She has been on a hunger strike for over a month now with the goal of meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston to discuss First Nation issues.
Last Friday, meetings were held with both leaders, but Spence has vowed to continue with the hunger strike. Her spokesperson called the meetings nothing but a photo opportunity that didn’t address the concerns of the movement.
“She has opened the door for the chiefs of Canada to sit down with the national leader, the prime minister,” said Pamajewon. “I think that’s a great step, and I think it should not be thought that that one meeting will answer all the questions we have on how we’re going to move forward because it isn’t. It is not going to end with one meeting.”
According to her spokesperson, Spence’s health has been diminishing. She is described as being weak and tired.
Organizers have pledged to continue with the protests and demonstrations. A world day of action is planned for January 28 - the day Canadian MPs return to the House of Commons.
The movement has declared that it is rooted in aboriginal sovereignty and the revitalization of First Nation’s people.
“We have never benefitted from the natural resources because if we had, do you think our communities would be in the state they are today? I do not. That has to change, and it will,” Pamajewon said.
The sentiment is shared by many First Nation leaders in the region. The Henvey Inlet First Nation has recently added their voice to the protests.
Chief Wayne McQuabbie has voiced his support for both Spence and the greater Idle No More movement.
“wThe federal government needs to sit with First Nations and discuss the issues,” said McQuabbie. “For example, treaty implementation, education, and inherent rights and resource revenue sharing as set out in the treaties.”
In particular, McQuabbie said he’s concerned about the amendments to the Navigable Waters Act and how he feels it was put together without consultation with Canadians and First Nations.
Rather than protesting in the region, Henvey Inlet sent a bus with community members to Ottawa last Friday to join the national protest.
Magnetawan First Nation also held a demonstration last Friday. They slowed traffic at the entrance to the First Nation throughout the day.
Late Friday morning approximately 100 people braved the freezing drizzle in front of Gzaagin Art Gallery on James Street for an Idle No More protest. Before heading through town, the group conducted a round dance in the middle of the street and were escorted by West Parry Sound OPP to the Friendship Centre on Bowes Street. The march was organized by Johna Hupfield and Mskwaankwad Mnoomnii. - with files from Stephannie Johnson